Today in Performance Sneaker History: John McEnroe Wins Fourth Wimbledon Men's Singles Title in the Nike Challenge Court Mid

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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On July 8, 1984, one of the most successful and controversial tennis players of all time won the Wimbledon's men's singles championship. He was a man known for his antics and trash talk, but also his remarkable success on the court. The 1984 Wimbledon men's champion was none other than John McEnroe, who won the the title for a third and final time as a singles competitor. After winning in 1981 and again in 1983, McEnroe looked to repeat as he reached the finals against Jimmy Connors. The two Americans battled it out for around 80 minutes, with McEnroe able to secure a decisive 6-1, 6-1, 6-2 win. The same year, McEnroe also won the men's doubles championship with Peter Fleming. From 1984 on, McEnroe's success as a singles player dwindled considerably, and it would be another five years until he won another singles title.

McEnroe's known for creating controversy, but he also helped Nike move a ton of shoes in the mid-late '80s. He's often associated with the first cross-training shoe of all time, the Nike Air Trainer 1. However, during Wimbledon 1984, he was in a more classic, traditional Swoosh model known as the Challenge Court Mid. While this classic style probably wouldn't hold up well on courts today, its clean design and connection to McEnroe makes it a piece of history. Last year, Nike reintroduced the Challenge Court in the form of a skateboarding model featuring Lunarlon cushioning. Pick up the Challenge Court SB today for $52. McEnroe was also regularly spotted in unique socks, and while there wasn't quite as fresh as them on this year's grass courts, these Nike SB socks may help to quench your thirst.

RELATED: Today in Performance Sneaker History: McEnroe Ejected from Australian Open

RELATED: Daily Play: McEnroe Moment in the Original Challenge Courts

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